Stockton · Land use · Child care center
Where is a child care center allowed in Stockton?
In Stockton, a child care center is allowed in 7 base zones (CO, CN, CG, CL, CA and 2 more), needs a permit in 3 (RM, RH and PF) and not allowed in 5 (Stockton use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: CO, CN, CG, CL, CA, CH and CD
- Needs a permit: RM, RH and PF
- Not allowed: RE, RL, IL, IG and OS
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Stockton Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a child care center can go
Stockton's code calls this use “Day Care Centers”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| CO | Allowed | Chapter 16.20 — ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS |
| CN | Allowed | Chapter 16.20 — ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS |
| CG | Allowed | Chapter 16.20 — ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS |
| CL | Allowed | Chapter 16.20 — ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS |
| CA | Allowed | Chapter 16.20 — ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS |
| CH | Allowed | Chapter 16.20 — ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS |
| CD | Allowed | Chapter 16.20 — ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS |
| RM | Needs a commission use permit | Chapter 16.20 — ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS |
| RH | Needs a commission use permit | Chapter 16.20 — ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS |
| PF | Needs a land development permit | Chapter 16.20 — ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: § 16.80.100 Child care facilities.
- State law: A licensed family child care home in a house is a residential use under state law (Health and Safety Code § 1597.45); this page covers child care centers only.
- Not covered here: MX, UC, PT districts (master development plans / port development agreement).; Overlay districts (Chapter 16.28).; Use classification definitions (Chapter 16.250) and Chapter 16.80 standards other than 16.80.020 are not in the packet.. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Stockton
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a child care center in the RM zone in Stockton?
Only with a commission use permit. Stockton's use table lists it that way in RM (Chapter 16.20 — ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS).
Can I have a child care center in the RE zone in Stockton?
No. Stockton's use table does not allow it in RE (Chapter 16.20 — ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS).
Can I have a child care center in the CO zone in Stockton?
Yes. Stockton's use table lists it as allowed in CO (Chapter 16.20 — ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS).
General information, not legal advice.
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